Exclusively Listed
32 Shady Lane is a magnificent gated estate located in the elegant enclave of Ross in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. Nestled on more than 1.5 acres of completely level parklike grounds, this estate exemplifies classic elegance, yet is wonderfully tuned for today’s modern living.
Built in 1898, the property was remodeled a century later to exacting modern standards; it was originally designed by John White of Bernard Maybeck Architects. Bernard Maybeck, a well-known architect in the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th Century, was behind several major buildings including the domed Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco and the Maybeck Recital Hall in Berkeley, California.
Nestled just one block from Ross School and town and close to Katherine Branson School, the property features regal lawns, covered patios and stonework, a main residence, a guest house, a 60-foot swimming pool, and a separate spa, all sited on lush parklike grounds.
32 Shady Lane is a 7,061-square-foot residence including five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a master suite with its own fireplace, and a grand living room with a fireplace imported from France. The property also features a wine cellar and a game room. French doors from every room lead to patios and decks, ensuring easy access outdoors and unlimited views of the rolling lawns and the 60-foot swimming pool.
This rich-in-history property, exemplifying California’s classic traditional elegance, has been remodeled in 1998 and has been built with the highest of standards and design features that are certain to please the most discerning eye. While keeping its century-old charm, high-tech conveniences have been strategically added, including radiant-heated floors and a state-of-the-art Crestron system that controls security, heating and cooling, and all sound, media, and lighting throughout the home.
The estate’s almost all-white garden includes old wisteria, lavender, roses, and multiple varieties of hydrangeas. Mature trees include palms, birch, red oak, cypress, redwood, and magnolia, along with multiple fruit trees. All benefit from the 10,000-gallon private well on property. Large properties in parklike settings define Ross, in part because residents need approval from the town council before cutting down any trees. Built at the turn of the century for George and Laura Roe, the estate was later home to the Seward Bailey McNear family for many decades. The original street name was Wordsworth Avenue.
Gold Coast Sale
Situated on one of the largest parcels on San Francisco’s “Outer Broadway,” also known as the “Gold Coast,” this treasured landmark combines grand historical architecture with magnificent formal gardens and a backdrop of dazzling Bay views. The historic estate was just sold by Christie’s International Real Estate exclusive Affiliate, Pacific Union International.
Designed in 1922 by the distinguished and prolific San Francisco architect, Frederick H. Meyer for Stetson G. Hindes – a prominent engineer whose firm constructed the drydock at Pearl Harbor, built the shipyard at Alameda, and filled the cove for the Pan-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco – and at one time occupied by famed attorney Melvin Belli, the home stands today as a masterpiece that has withstood the test of time.
Standing sentry at the entrance, two perfectly shaped evergreens frame vast formal grounds offering a true sense of privacy and a superb venue for garden entertaining spilling over from the welcoming front terrace. Once inside, it becomes immediately apparent that the distinguished brick façade and manicured setting are merely a prelude to the true focal point of the home – the sweeping views that reveal an ever-changing tapestry of color and brilliance. From the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and Sausalito Harbor across to the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and beyond to the East Bay hills, dramatic picture-postcard views unfold at every turn. An additional amenity and the perfect complement to the north water views are the verdant and tranquil views of the beautifully landscaped front gardens to the south as seen from the living room, morning room, master suite, and great room terrace. This unique and highly desirable combination of Bay views and usable grand south garden space is a special amenity rarely found in San Francisco.
Spanning four spacious levels, all with Bay views and elevator access, this well-designed, light-filled home has six bedrooms, five full baths, and two half-baths. Grand public rooms showcase classic period detail, such as leaded glass windows and elaborate moldings and millwork. A spacious chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry and catering room plus second kitchen on the lower floor stand ready for managing banquets of any scale. The luxurious master suite with two sitting areas, a fireplace and stunning views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and tranquil south gardens is truly a retreat. The top floor great room with its wonderful expanse, views, and south terrace is ideal for relaxing with family and friends. Rounding out the many features and amenities of this one of a kind residence are the added niceties of a 3,000+ bottle wine cellar, garage parking for 4 cars, driveway parking for additional cars, and the amazing surprise of a heated outdoor swimming pool and spa privately positioned beyond the glorious and meandering lush rear gardens.
This home also benefits from the many conveniences of its prime Pacific Heights location – with its boutique shopping and dining just blocks away, pedestrian access to the Presidio – a 1,500 acre National Park – at the end of the street, plus recreational parks, excellent schools, and easy access to the downtown financial district and Marin County – San Francisco living at its very best.
For reporting on the sale, visit Mansion in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights Area Is Sold for $29.5 Million. Levy, Dan. “Mansion in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights Area Is Sold for $29.5 Million”. Bloomberg. November 2, 2011. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-02/mansion-in-san-franciso-s-pacific-heights-area-is-sold-for-29-5-million.html